CarComplaints.com Notes: The 1998 Honda Accord suffers from widespread transmission failure, peeling paint, & subframe rust. We recommend avoiding this model year like the plague.

The transmission begins slipping & eventually has to be replaced, typically soon after 100,000 miles & with a repair cost of over $2,000.

Peeling paint has also been a huge issue for these Accords. Most of the complaints are with darker paint colors -- especially green & blue.

Subframe rust near the front passenger side wheel has become a problem recently, due to the poorly positioned A/C drain hose directly above that area. Repair cost to the subframe is over $2,000.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
21,400 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Honda Accord brakes problems

brakes problem

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1998 Honda Accord Owner Comments

problem #10

Jun 072005

Accord 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The consumer was easing into a parking space with the brakes depressed when the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into a cement wall. This accident occurred on June 7, 2005. The consumer stated that she had previous problems with the vehicle surging forward at a stop light. The consumer had not taken vehicle to the dealership before for this problem. After the accident consumer took vehicle to the dealer be repaired. They did not tell her what had caused the accident. When the consumer contacted the manufacture they told her that she should get a diagnostic test at her own expense.

- Coon Rapids, MN, USA

problem #9

Oct 252004

Accord 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles
While driving consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. Consumer was unable to maintain control of the vehicle, and it collided into another vehicle from the driver's side. Upon impact, both frontal air bags did not deploy. Driver sustained head and back injuries, and was transported by ambulance to a hospital. Vehicle was towed, and totaled by the insurance company. The consumer stated that brakes failed to stop the vehicle.

- Lakewood, NJ, USA

problem #8

Sep 142003

Accord

  • 77,000 miles
While driving at 55 mph on the freeway consumer attempted to exit beltway off a ramp, applied the brakes, brakes locked up, causing consumer to lose control of vehicle. Vehicle veered over the median into oncoming traffic. Consumer's vehicle was struck by another vehicle coming in the opposite direction on the passenger's side. Vehicle was totaled, and consumer sustained abrasions to the chest, neck, arms and face.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #7

Aug 212002

Accord

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Second time the ABS light has come on while driving. I had it checked out by the dealer twice. They reset it twice. Now recently my check engine light has been on. Reset it myself four times...and it comes on again after I let of the gas getting off the freeway. Don't like spending $70 to have them check it out and find nothing.no safety defect listed.

- Centralia, WA, USA

problem #6

Sep 142000

(reported on)

Accord

  • miles
When driving 20-25 mph and upon depressing brake pedal to make a normal stop brakes locked up, causing vehicle to go into a skid, let up on brakes. Throttle was sticking causing engine to race, resulting in an accident. Vehicle was placed in neutral in order to stop.

- Sanger, TX, USA

problem #5

Apr 162000

Accord 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer was traveling 40-45mph while it was misty outside, another vehicle cut in front of the consumer. Consumer tapped on brakes & vehicle spun out of control. Did 3 360 turns & each time vehicle hit the guardrails. Brakes did not stop the car. Airbags didin't deploy..et.

- St Albans, NY, USA

problem #4

Nov 151999

Accord

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car was parked. When started it suddenly accelerated, first backward onto the sidewalk, resulting in a crash. When put into drive it accelerated rapidly despite applying the brakes full force. I estimate speed of 50+ mph down a crowded city street. When I pulled the emergency.

- Waban, MA, USA

problem #3

Feb 011999

Accord

  • miles
When driving at any speed and applying the brakes, pedal is very hard, and there isn't any power steering. Also some type of noise is coming from the vehicle due to lower ball joins wearing out..

- Newark, DE, USA

problem #2

Jan 221999

Accord

  • miles
Master cylinder failed to operate on two occasions which causes the brake pedal to go to the floor, leaving vehicle without brakes. Dealer notifed.

- Fairfield, CA, USA

problem #1

Feb 131998

Accord

  • miles
The ABS light comes on and stays on. In the owner's manual it states that if the light comes on and stays on, it means the ABS system is not working.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

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